Commission reviews EU pleasure boat pollution law

2341, 15/06/07

Making further cuts in pollution emissions from recreational craft beyond EU limits introduced in 2003 is possible but only at high cost, a new European commission review shows.  The document charts the effect of a directive adopted four years ago to regulate pollution and noise from all motor boats between four and 24 metres in length (EED 17/03/03 http://endseuropedaily.com/14063).

The review evaluates four scenarios for further reducing emissions of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.  Even under the most environmentally effective scenario, emissions would fall by only seven per cent and would cost E352m to achieve.

Despite the apparently low cost-benefit ratio, the commission leaves the way open for future tougher rules:  it will "further explore the possibilities for maximising the emission reduction potential of recreational craft".  It says an impact assessment would be carried out before any proposals for further regulation are made.

The commission says it still believes there is no need for mandatory fitting "in-use compliance" systems, a controversial idea that was ultimately rejected by EU decision makers during the directive's passage into law.  They have "limited environmental benefits" and suffer from technical difficulties.  Nor does the commission recommend further noise controls.

Follow-up: European commission http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm, tel +32 2 299 1111, plus communication http://www.endseuropedaily.com/docs/70614a.pdf.

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